Expert can give you tips, but experience works best

Friday

May 30, 2008 at 12:01 AM

On cloudy days, I generally use solid and darker (one or two tone) color schemes with my artificial lures. Dense colors are generally seen well by actively feeding fish under cloudy and stained water conditions, while translucent multicolors that possess light reflecting qualities are generally better seen by fish in heavy sunlight and clear water.

On cloudy days, I generally use solid and darker (one or two tone) color schemes with my artificial lures. Dense colors are generally seen well by actively feeding fish under cloudy and stained water conditions, while translucent multicolors that possess light reflecting qualities are generally better seen by fish in heavy sunlight and clear water.

Most fish species can see fluorescent reds and chartreuse green better in lower light frequencies. Water clarity, frequency of light and color background (from bottom or vegetation) affects how well a fish sees your offering. These are just a few general rules that need to be modified while taking into consideration the forage foods available in specific bodies of water at specific times.

Over-fished anglers like me do not have quick and easy answers to any seemingly simple fishing questions anymore. For example, if an angler simply asked me what is the best lure or lure color I could not give a short reply.

A result of my terminal anglerism is that I spat-off some long-winded over analyzed fishing viewpoints and try ever so delicately not to take away any of the credit from the angler or do an injustice to the "actual art of angling" by definition.

My answer to such pondering fishing questions usually starts with something like, "Ultimately, the person behind the wheel is what drives the car and not the car itself" or "consistent fish catching has more to do with the time spent behind the fishing stick!"

As for beginners, having some initial good instruction or field support to cover the more important priorities well before the cast of any new age lure or actual lure color could make the difference.

All the artificial lures and lure colors on the market today will work if you know the whats, hows and whens — which will only come with spending time fishing. This does not mean that a specific lure and color cannot have its perfect time and place where it may completely out fish everything else.

I am just saying that I believe the mastery of lure presentation in any kind of water condition and season is far more important once you are in the right place at the right time.

Today, there are an almost unlimited supply of lure manufacturers, lure designs and company color schemes from laser-finished swim-baits to light—prism impregnated rubber baits. We see realism on steroids with the artificial baits of today's sport fishing world. These lures look better than the real thing especially to anglers like me who fish with them.

This can truly be fun stuff for anglers who are very tuned in. But when fish are "on the bite," most of the traditional lures and colors, presented correctly, will be just as successful. Each angler can choose just how far to read into things as to how much specific lures and lure color can make a difference for consistent fish catching success. But I will say this, I think it ultimately comes down to angler confidence that is earned only by experience. Fishing with what you believe will make you more successful and believing in your abilities always makes the biggest difference.

This season, we welcome the opportunity for local anglers to send us any questions or big fish stories to present to the readers of this column. When sending your stories, please enclose your contact information and photography when possible. Please send any questions or stories to fish@shawneeinn.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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